So here is my DIY for my 5 gal MLT. I used the SS braid and didn't care for it so I built a manifold. I also wanted to try fly sparging but couldn't find too much for a DIY project. I found one and built around it using copper because it is more readily available. So here it is.
Manifold & Bulk Head Parts List:
1) 5 Gallon Cooler (from Home Depot)
4) Large Steel Washers with a 1/2" ID
1) 1/2" x 2" Brass Nipple
1) 1/2" Ball Valve
1) 3/8" x 1/2" Brass Reducing Bushing
4) Thick 3/8"ish ID O-ring
4) 1/2" x 90 Copper L
3) 1/2" Copper T
1) 3/8" x 45 Copper Street (belled on one side only)
1) 3/8" Female adapter
Aprox. 30 Inches of copper cut into the following lengths:
2) 1/2" x 6 1/2"
5) 1/2" x 2 1/4"
2) 1/2" x 2 3/4"
Process:
After cutting the copper into the pieces listed you will have to cut slits in them. I used a hack saw and a vice. I will stress that you must be gentle with the vice or the copper will become "out of round" and take on a slightly oval shape and be a PITA to put fitting onto.
Everyone may vary in how they do this but I cut maybe 1/4 of the way through the pipe. I also spaced them as close together as I could. This part you can research for what gets the best results.
Assemble your pieces and make sure they fit into your cooler (as seen in the photo). Cooler sizes may vary from Igloo, Colman, And Depot's brand so adjust where needed.
Once you have everything working use a round file to grind away all the burrs inside of copper from the hacksaw blade.
Boil in lemon juice and water to clean all the crap off of it and it should be good to go.
Manifold & Bulk Head Parts List:
1) 5 Gallon Cooler (from Home Depot)
4) Large Steel Washers with a 1/2" ID
1) 1/2" x 2" Brass Nipple
1) 1/2" Ball Valve
1) 3/8" x 1/2" Brass Reducing Bushing
4) Thick 3/8"ish ID O-ring
4) 1/2" x 90 Copper L
3) 1/2" Copper T
1) 3/8" x 45 Copper Street (belled on one side only)
1) 3/8" Female adapter
Aprox. 30 Inches of copper cut into the following lengths:
2) 1/2" x 6 1/2"
5) 1/2" x 2 1/4"
2) 1/2" x 2 3/4"
Process:
After cutting the copper into the pieces listed you will have to cut slits in them. I used a hack saw and a vice. I will stress that you must be gentle with the vice or the copper will become "out of round" and take on a slightly oval shape and be a PITA to put fitting onto.
Everyone may vary in how they do this but I cut maybe 1/4 of the way through the pipe. I also spaced them as close together as I could. This part you can research for what gets the best results.
Assemble your pieces and make sure they fit into your cooler (as seen in the photo). Cooler sizes may vary from Igloo, Colman, And Depot's brand so adjust where needed.
Once you have everything working use a round file to grind away all the burrs inside of copper from the hacksaw blade.
Boil in lemon juice and water to clean all the crap off of it and it should be good to go.